Financial resources and benefits
Screen for benefits eligibility and understand financial options for care.
The benefit eligibility screener
Senior Support Resources screens for eligibility across 15+ federal and state benefit programs based on age, income, assets, location, and veteran status. Programs include: Medicare Savings Programs (which can save hundreds per month on premiums and copays), Medicaid, SNAP/food assistance, LIHEAP (energy bill assistance), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA Aid and Attendance benefits, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, property tax relief programs, and state-specific senior programs. Studies show that millions of seniors miss benefits they qualify for simply because they do not know the programs exist or assume they would not qualify.
Understanding Medicare coverage
The app provides clear explanations of Medicare coverage: Part A (hospital stays, skilled nursing, home health, hospice), Part B (doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment), Part C/Medicare Advantage (private plan alternative that combines A and B, often with drug coverage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). It helps you understand what is covered, what is not, deductibles and copays, and when enrollment periods occur. The Medicare coverage tool can also look up whether specific procedures and services are covered.
Tracking care expenses
Log caregiving expenses in the Financial section: medical costs not covered by insurance, prescription copays, home modifications, care supplies (incontinence products, mobility aids), transportation to medical appointments, and costs for paid caregivers or home health aides. This tracking serves multiple purposes: claiming medical expense tax deductions, dividing costs fairly among family members using the equity tracker, documenting financial need for benefit applications, and creating a realistic picture of the true cost of care for planning purposes.
Veterans benefits
If the care recipient or their spouse served in the military, they may qualify for significant VA benefits. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit alone can provide $2,000 or more per month for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. Other benefits include: VA healthcare enrollment, VA home modifications, state veteran programs (which vary widely), veteran-directed home and community-based services, and burial benefits. The benefit screener identifies applicable programs based on the veteran status information in the care profile.
Tips
Run the benefit screener even if you think your loved one would not qualify. Income limits are often higher than people expect, especially for programs like Medicare Savings Programs and state pharmaceutical assistance. Keep all medical receipts and records of out-of-pocket expenses for tax purposes. Review the financial section quarterly as both circumstances and program rules change. If caregiving expenses are significant, consult a tax professional about available deductions. The Caregiver Agreement feature in the Legal section can help formalize paid family caregiving arrangements.